Courtesy/News Source: hospitalitynet.org

BANGKOK, Thailand: Unicorn Hospitality, the forward-thinking Thai hotel management company, is planning a significant expansion of its global portfolio, with the aim of tripling its collection from four to 12 operating hotels and resorts by early 2021.

At present, the group operates a series of stylish hotels and resorts in Thailand and Vietnam. The Silver Palm Bangkok is an 89-room upscale hotel and residence in the centre of the Thai capital, while ZAZZ Urban Bangkok offers 48 smart rooms for stress-free stays. ZAZZ Urban Ho Chi Minh has introduced this cutting-edge concept to Vietnam, while The Cove Phi Phi is an enchanting beachfront resort.

Most recently in October 2019, the 53-room Daraya Boutique Hotel opened its doors in Bangkok, kickstarting a period of rapid expansion for Unicorn Hospitality. Villa De Pranakorn will open its doors in mid-December 2019, providing 47 elegant rooms and suites on Mahachai Road in Bangkok's old city, and the 44-key HANGOUT By KLY Phuket will also start welcoming guests in December, introducing a new era of vibrant hospitality to Patong Beach, Phuket's most popular tourism hotspot.

Then in 2020, The Chandler, An Artisan Hotel (55 keys) will open in the scenic province of Pranburi, overlooking the dramatic landscape of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, while the 80-room Hotel Casa 17 will launch in mid-March in the historic district of Bangkok Noi. Also in Q2 2020, Unicorn Hospitality's largest project to-date, LIVE by KLY, will add 373 rooms and residences to Kamala, on Phuket's desirable west coast.

Finally in early 2021, Unicorn Hospitality will make its debut in the Maldives! Currently under construction, ZAZZ Escapes Maldives Resort will be a luxury tented camp that introduces the unique concept of water safaris to guests in this dream destination, with an array of enticing activities both above and beneath the sea.

The company's growth is being driven by an increasing appetite among hotel owners - especially in Asia - to move away from the large international chains and work with a local hospitality provider who understands their culture and can more accurately help them deliver their vision. Customers today are also seeking more intimate experiences that reflect the essence of their destination; Unicorn Hospitality can target this rapidly-growing sector through its own boutique brands or white label management services.

"For many Asian hoteliers, partnerships with big chains can be fraught with difficulty. Management contracts are often extremely rigid, making 'divorces' almost impossible or very expensive. Many owners we have spoken to complain that their relationships lack the personal warmth and intuition that a boutique or smaller operator can provide. Moreover, guests feel that these 'cookie cutter' brands don't have a strong connection with their locale," said Yann Gouriou, founder and CEO of Unicorn Hospitality.

"Big chains compensate for this by promising extensive global sales and distribution, but with more direct channels available than ever before, independent and small-chain hotels can now compete on a more equal footing. Unicorn Hospitality enables Asian hoteliers to enjoy professional and fully bespoke management services, and importantly, retain a product that matches their original vision and demonstrates a unique charm and personality," Yann added.

The global economic slowdown has caused tourism arrivals to slow down in many markets, most notably Thailand. In such difficult conditions, it is vital for hotels to have a strong point of difference and a competitive cost structure. By working with Unicorn Hospitality, hotel owners can thrive in uncertain times.

Unicorn Hospitality currently operates six distinct brands and white label management concepts: Unicorn Hotels & Resorts, KLY Hotels & Resorts, HANGOUT By KLY, LIVE By KLY, ZAZZ Hotels and The Unchained Collection.